Web stabilization for accurate pattern registration

Abstract

A method for registering patterns on a web comprises attaching a backing material to a web and stabilizing the web; routing the web over one or more sets of rollers; applying a pattern to the web; and removing the backing material. Patterning can be applied at a set of rollers or between rollers along the path of the web. The backing material has indicia thereon for use in registration of the patterns applied to the web. Using the method, a steel backing material can be applied with an adhesive to a polyethylene terephthalate web material.

1 . A method for registering patterns on a web, comprising the steps of: 
 attaching a backing material to a web and stabilizing the web;    routing the web using rollers;    applying patterns to the web; and    removing the backing material.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of attaching the backing material includes the step of applying an adhesive to at least one of the web and backing material.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of removing the backing material includes the steps of exposing the backing material to a destructive environment and destroying the backing material.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  including the steps of: 
 measuring registration of the pattern;    providing an error signal; and    controlling web position using the error signal.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the step of measuring registration includes detecting registration indicia on the backing material.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the backing material is wider than the web.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the backing material is metal.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the backing material is steel.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the web material is polyethylene terephthalate.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein patterns are applied at one of the rollers.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein patterns are applied between rollers.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein patterns are applied between adjacent rollers along the path of the web.